1944 - A Year to Remember

A series of simple and dignified ceremonies took place on Bastille day, as French, American, Canadian and British residents of St. Céré, took time out to remember the events of 1944.

A Year to Remember
For it was that year that war finally came to St. Céré. From the dropping, by air, of a handful of brave SOE and OSS special forces officers, to the murderous transit of the SS Panzer division, "Das Reich", to the biggest ever Allied effort to assist the French Résistance, 1944 was a year to remember for many.

Memorial to SOE Officers

Special Forces
No less than 6 special forces officers dropped into the area from January 1944. They were Richard Pinder, Gaston Collin, brothers Maurice and Edward Meyer, George Hiller and Cyril Watney. The latter were involved in an ambush on the Carennac to Miers road, by the Germans and were lucky to escape with their lives. Their driver was killed and Major Hiller, badly wounded.

A salute to
Major George Hiller and Captain Cryil Watney

American Air Drop - Loubressac
A massive parachute air-drop of arms, took place on 14th July 1944. Over 520 canisters of arms were dropped over Loubressac, by the United States Air Force 447th Bomb Group, to arm the local St. Céré Maquis.

Henri Gambarde, Maquis Leader

Henri Gambade, Legion-d'Honneur
The major leading light of the local french Résistance, Henri Gambade, 90, led the simple ceremonies of remembrance at the various monuments dotted around the Causse, which culminated at the war memorial in Loubressac, where the participants and spectators were addressed by the Mayor. Afterwards, all were invited for a "Cup of Friendship" in the nearby by Salles des Fetes.

Mayor, Loubressac

The activities of the St. Céré maquis and their SOE liaison are described in a recent feature article to be found on the English language website, French News Online and if you live in or around St. Céré it is well worth the read, as you will recognise the places mentioned, if not, perhaps, the names of the participants.

For further information regarding French Résistance in the Lot, please contact Louise Butler* on 05 65 23 62 77 or e-mail her at: louise.butler@alsatis.net

* Louise is a part-time volunteer at the Musée de la résistance, de la déportation et de la libération du département du Lot in Cahors.

Going Somewhere?

Trunki Suitcases - Luggage for Little People
Yep, believe it or not, this is a suitcase. It's also a seat and a ride-on. This could be the end of "My feet hurt" whinges as you make your way down to Gate 619 at Gatwick!

Check this innovative product out at the official Trunki website, where you can buy this and other great travel gear ideas for kids, online.

La Marseillaise

We've noticed from our visitor statistics, that there have been a great many searches for our archived article on La Marseillaise. Many of you have downloaded the words to the French national anthem in English, have watched the famous Marseillaise film clip from Casablanca.

So, to make it easier for those of you searching for information and the English words to La Marsellaise, here is a convenient permanent link: click the flag

Click the French flag to view all we know about the French National Anthem -
La Maseillaise

Out and About

Bentley About!

To view a larger image - click above

Spotted in Loubressac, this venerable 1936 Bentley had made a pit-stop at the local auberge. The owner was seen to be pouring something into the radiator and when tackled, confessed that it was to stop the many small radiator leaks.

The magic ingredient? Pepper! Cups and cups of it.

News

French News Online are inviting readers to send in photos or videos or news items. Could be a way for you to get a free bit of publicity, if you run a business in France, as they will link to your own website!

Run by expats, for expats, French News Online presents in-depth news stories on all things French... in English.

For more information, visit the French News Online "Beta" test website, by clicking this link.

The scroller above will halt as your mouse hovers over it. Then just click on a news item that is of interest, and a full version will open in a new window.

If you have a local news item you would like to see aired on the St. Céré website, please let us know. Use the e-mail form accessed by clicking the link below to send us your news item.

Want to get Afloat - NOW?
Looking for a way to get on the River, but don't fancy a canoe? This inflatable boat is for sale right now in the classified section..

For further details of this inflatable boat for sale, please click this link.

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Going to Paris?
Next time you head for Paris without your car, try out this Paris Transfer service to get you to and from Stations, airports, Disney etc. Click the image above for full details.